Subhas Chandra Pattanayak
A science graduate from Sambalpur University, eminent author Shrimanta Sahu belongs by birth to village Telimunda of Deogarh district. He is a high ranking Officer, who never boasts of his position. But he enjoys his status as a dedicated member of the Mahima sect and a follower of Bhima Bhoi.
To him, mother tongue Oriya is the Goddess Samaleswari, who is also the Utkaleswari. Historically it seems correct.
He supports the unique mass movement of Orissa – Bhasha Andolan – that demands legal provisions for punishment to whosoever contravenes the Orissa Official Language Act, 1954.
In witnessing the most celebrated Black Flag March of Bhasha Andolan, he recited his song in glory of Oriya language at the podium of Kula Gaurav Madhu Sudan Das, with Khanjani, the indigenous musical instrument of Orissa. Here is what he had rendered: